Oakland Hills In Bloomfield Township Breaks Ground On New Clubhouse

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI — Construction crews broke ground at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township earlier this week, nearly two years after a fire destroyed its old clubhouse.

The $96.2 million project includes a new building with modern technologies and will restore numerous elements of the clubhouse's original design.

The new clubhouse will also be slightly larger (110,000 square feet) than the old one (90,000 square feet) and will include outdoor dining areas, three kitchens, ballrooms, men's locker room and a larger women's locker room than the old one. There will also be upgrades to the course, including a new greens and grounds (maintenance) facility, as well as better parking with a valet lot.

Officials said the project should be completed by early 2026 and will be funded by insurance proceeds, member assessment and member dues.

In November, Oakland Hills members agreed to pay an additional $230 a month in dues until the club's $40.3 million loan (set for at least a 15-year term) is paid off, according to the Detroit News.

"Today is a momentous day for Oakland Hills members and staff who stand together, much like we did nearly two years ago watching flames rise from our clubhouse, but with a renewed excitement for the future. The Next 100 Project is the result of significant planning by the entire Oakland Hills family that will define the Championship golf experience for generations to come at our Club and beyond," said Oakland Hills President K. Dino Kostopoulos.

The Oakland Hills Country's clubhouse suffered extensive damage in February 2022 when a massive blaze broke out. Oakland County officials believe the fire was started accidentally as maintenance workers were using propane torches on the building's east side, which faces the golf course.

Officials did not know how many people were inside the clubhouse when the fire started, as the building has been undergoing renovations, but everyone was able to get out and no injuries were reported while over a dozen fire stations sent crews to battle the fire, officials said.

Although the fire destroyed much of the building, including its center where the clubhouse, restaurants and offices were located, officials did say firefighters were able to save some memorabilia from the clubhouse.

Oakland Hills, which opened in 1916 has a storied history. The golf course has hosted six U.S. Opens, three PGA championships and a Ryder Cup, among other major events. Golf greats including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Ben Hogan have competed and won on the famed South Course, known better in the sport as "The Monster."